How Long Should a Heat Pump Last in My Home?

In mild climates, heat pumps are the most efficient way to heat and cool your home. Rather than generating heat, which expends a lot of energy, these units move heat. For instance, a heat pump cools your home by pumping heat outside and warms your home by moving warm air inside.

What is the lifespan of the average heat pump?

Several contributing factors determine how long your system will last: your location, the type of heat pump and how well it is maintained. Three types of units are common in American homes: air systems, water source systems and geothermal systems. On average, most units last 15 years. When poorly maintained, a unit can wear out in as little as a decade. Well-maintained units can last longer.

How can I help my heating and cooling system last longer?

The most common contributing factor to system malfunctions is a lack of maintenance. You can help your system live a longer life by doing the following:

• Change the filter. This promotes airflow and improves energy efficiency. Check the filter every month, and replace it if you can no longer see through it easily.
• Clean the outdoor coil. Dirt impairs the performance of your heat pump system. Clean it whenever it looks dirty by removing leaves and debris, and spraying water gently through the fins.
• Keep plants away from the outdoor unit. Plants that are too close can shed leaves, flowers and seeds that can clog the system.
• Clean indoor components every couple of years to remove dust buildup. Use compressed air to clean the indoor coil, wipe down the blades of the flower, and remove registers and grilles to wash them down.
• Get an annual tuneup. No matter what type of heating and cooling system you use, an HVAC professional should inspect it and perform any necessary maintenance annually.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC and plumbing systems). For additional tips on maintaining your heat pump and improving your system’s energy efficiency, contact the pros at Sobieski Services. We’ve been serving West Chester, Wilmington, Newark and the surrounding areas since 1987.

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